Hey guys! :D So, this story takes place almost immediately after the events of The Last Guardian. I hope you enjoy it! (:

Disclaimer: I WISH I OWNED ARTEMIS FOWL. IF I DID, HE AND HOLLY WOULD PROBABLY HAVE KISSED A LONG LONG TIME AGO. PREFERABLY IN THE FIRST BOOK WHILE THEY WERE ARGUING AND STUFF. (:

"And that," finished Holly softly, "is the story of Artemis Fowl."

Artemis frowned, his hands absently worrying at the sheets of the bed he was seated on. "I really did save the world a lot," he observed.

Butler stood, reaching his hands above his head in a slow stretch, a small smile on his face. "Perhaps the world needed your genius, old friend." Turning business-like, he ordered, "Now get some rest. I don't know what coming back to life is like, but I suspect it's hardly a walk in the park."

Following Butler's example, Holly stood. "I really should get going, too. I promised Foaly an update on Artemis – he had to get back to Caballine and couldn't stay."

Nodding a goodbye in Holly's direction, Butler exited the room, his posture decidedly free of the tension that had taken refuge in the last six months.

"Holly, wait," called Artemis from his bed.

"What is it, Artemis?" asked Holly, her back still turned to him. "You should get some rest, you must be tired."

"It's important. Please, Holly."

That made her turn around; the sheer vulnerability in his voice, the emotion behind the words that Artemis usually hid so well.

"What is it, Artemis?" she asked again.

"It's just-" he hesitated, his voice uncertain. "We were friends, right?"

The question startled her. "Of course we were friends, mud boy."

"It's just-" he paused, looking at her intently, the same look that always made her feel transparent, like he could see right through her. "I don't remember much, but I think that was important to me. Before I died."

A shiver ran through her. "We were best friends, Arty," she said softly, answering the question in his voice.

Artemis smiled. "Good night, Holly."

Holly walked to the end of the room, pausing with her hand on the door handle. "Artemis," she began again. "How did you come back? How did you.. how did you know?"

Artemis looked at her, his eyes full of pride and knowing and maybe, if she allowed herself to believe it, a bit of sadness. "I heard your voice."

Holly stared. "What?"

Artemis shrugged. "And Butler's too, I suppose. Foaly as well. They helped.. they helped me remember who I was. Who I am."

Holly nodded, understanding his words as they sank through her, mixing with the wave of tiredness that was beginning to overcome her. She yawned, feeling the ache and strain of her tired muscles in her body. "I need to go," she decided. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Artemis nodded. "As shall I."

"Goodnight, Arty. And-" Holly cleared her throat, looking around the room, focusing on anything other than Artemis as she said, "It's – it's good to have you back."

Artemis's smile was sincere and, for once, didn't hold a meaning or purpose hidden away in one of its layers. "It's good to be back."

So? (: Was it awfully bad? Was it brilliantly good? Tell me what'cha think! Also, if you enjoyed this fanfic, check out my other Artemis Fowl fanfic on my profile - and if you're feeling generous or gracious or really really nice, you could review! :D

REVIEW AND A SHOWER OF SPARKLY FAIRY DUST SHALL BECOME YOURS! :D PLUS IT GRANTS WISHES! SORT OF! (: